Anyone who thinks they have an accurate handle on who will win the GOP governor’s nomination this Thursday night probably also has a bridge in Brooklyn they want to sell you. The contest is fluid and changing.

All three of the leading candidates (Randy Boyd, Bill Lee and Diane Black) should prepare a statement for winning and one for losing — or even that it is too close to call at midnight on Thursday.

Bill Lee, gubernatorial candidate, and his wife, Maria, arrive at SoKno Market for a town hall meeting in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. At left is moderator of the meeting, Glenn Jacobs. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

A supporter whispers to Bill Lee, gubernatorial candidate, as he signs one of his books following a town hall meeting at SoKno Market in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knoxville mayoral candidate Glenn Jacobs talks to Bobby Waggoner while waiting on Bill Lee to arrive for a town hall meeting at SoKno Market in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Bill Lee, gubernatorial candidate, greets Mayor Tim Burchett before the start of a town hall meeting at SoKno Market in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. At left is the moderator, Glenn Jacobs. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee grabs a coffee before betting on his campaign RV following a town hall meeting at SoKno Market in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee reaches out to close the door on his campaign RV following a town hall meeting at SoKno Market in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Low percentage can win it

What can be reliably stated is the winner probably is at 34 percent among the four contestants. Lee, the Williamson County businessman, is moving up. Can he continue it into the home stretch? Both Boyd and Black have suffered from the negative mailers they have sent out on each other.

Knox County Commission Chairman Leo Cooper, left, presents former Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen with a scenic painting of East Tennessee during an Industry Appreciation Breakfast April 25, 2000, at Club LeConte. (N News Sentinel

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Bredesen waves to supporters at his victory party on primary election night Aug. 1, 2002 in Nashville, Tenn. Bredesen's win as the first Democrat elected statewide since 1994 was one of the major events in one of the busiest political years in Tennessee history. Associated Press

In a Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005 file photo, Gov. Phil Bredeson talks about the resignation of Col. Lynn Pitts, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, in Nashville, Tenn. Former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen has kicked off his 2018 Senate run from a position of strength, a known quantity in Tennessee. Associate Press

Gov. Phil Bredesen, left, Knox County Schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, and Principal Jon Miller are pictured Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at Central High School. Bredesen was visiting to talk to students and teachers in the wake of a fatal shooting of a student. (NEWS SENTINEL ARCHIVE)

Gracee DeJarnette lets Gov. Phil Bredesen know her age following his appearance Monday, April 28, 2008, at a roundtable discussion in Oak Ridge about his pre-kindergarten education initiative. News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen addresses invited guests during the Governors' Proclamation ceremony for the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Friday, April 24, 2009 at Clingmans Dome. News Sentinel

Dolly Parton sings "My Mountains, My Home" during the 75th anniversary re-dedication of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Newfound Gap. At right are governors Beverly Perdue of North Carolina and Phil Bredesen of Tennessee. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, left and his wife Andre Conte, right, arrive at the White House to attend a dinner hosted by President Obama, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 in Washington. The National Governors Association is holding its winter meeting in Washington this weekend. Associated Press

Thom Mason, left Director, Oak Ridge national Laboratory look on as Governor Phil Bredesen, center, signs a copy of ceremonial letter written by E. O. Wollan in 1944. The 1944 letter from E. O. Wollan of Oak Ridge National Laboratory could be considered the origin of neutron diffraction, leading eventually to the construction six decades late of the Spallation Neutron Source and the Institute for Neutron Sciences. News Sentinel

From right, former Tennessee governors Don Sundquist, Phil Bredesen, and current governor Bill Haslam wait together for the start of the event, Civility & Effective Governance at the Howard Baker Center of Public Policy on Thursday, February 21, 2013. Saul Young/News Sentinel

From left, former Tennessee governor Don Sundquist, current Tennessee governor Bill Haslam, former senator Howard Baker, his wife Nancy Kassebaum Baker, and former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen pose for photographs at the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy on Thursday, February 21, 2013. The two former governors and the governor are participating on a public forum on civility in government. Saul Young/News Sentinel

The Democrats will have two former mayors of Nashville as their nominees for the U.S. Senate and governor. They are Phil Bredesen and Karl Dean, respectively. Both are solid, able individuals who were popular when they left office. They will provide voters in November with a reasonable choice based on issues. Both are wealthy and can fund a significant portion of their campaigns.

Splintered GOP favors Democrats

Because of the uncertain outcome of the GOP primary and low percentage needed to win, the eventual nominee will have to work hard to bring the opposing camps to his or her table. If the GOP is split, then the Democrats are in contention. It is already apparent that some Republicans are openly backing Bredesen. In Knoxville, longtime Republicans and Gov. Bill Haslam backers Sharon Pryse and Raja Jubran co-hosted a successful Bredesen event at the Pryse home. Both were UT trustees until the legislature declined to approve them for the new reduced board.

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd meets with his supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd sticks a "I Voted!" sticker on his shirt after early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd meets with his supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd meets with his supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd, right, and his wife Jenny Boyd, center, talk with U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., left, before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd meets with his supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd and his wife Jenny Boyd early vote at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd, left, and his wife Jenny Boyd pose for a photo with supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd poses for a photo with his supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd poses for a photo with his supporters before early voting at the Downtown West voting location in Knoxville on Friday, July 20, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Ellen Wilhoit, left, executive director of Leadership Sevier, announced the launch of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team at the Smokies Stadium on Thursday afternoon during the Cubs World Series trophy tour. Wilhoit poses with Smokies owner Randy Boyd as he presented the initial $10,00 donation to the new charity. The Chicago Cubs organization donated another $10,000. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Randy Boyd, former commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, speaks Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at the Complete Tennessee discussion at Pellissippi State Community College. Andrew Capps/News Sentinel

CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL Randy Boyd, commissioner of Economic and Community Development for the State of Tennessee speaks at the dedication ceremony of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the Haslam College of Business on April 15. CAITIE MCMEKIN

Randy Boyd, commissioner of Economic and Community Development for the State of Tennessee, speaks with his wife Jenny by his side, at the dedication ceremony of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the Haslam College of Business on Friday, April 15, 2016. (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL) CAITIE MCMEKIN

Left to right, Daniel Aisenbrey, farm manager and Brenna Wright, founder of Abbey Fields Farm with PetSafe Chairman Randy Boyd and wife Jenny Boyd, and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, gather to make an announcement about the Old City Gardens Friday, April 1, 2016. For a yearly subscription fee of $100, residents will be able to rent one of 30 4-by-25-foot raised beds for growing vegetables or flowers. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS /NEWS SENTINEL) Amy Smotherman Burgess

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, PetSafe Chairman Randy Boyd and Deputy to the Mayor and Chief Policy Officer Bill Lyons, gather to make an announcement about the Old City Gardens Friday, April 1, 2016. For a yearly subscription fee of $100, residents will be able to rent one of 30 4-by-25-foot raised beds for growing vegetables or flowers at 300 Depot Ave. Amy Smotherman Burgess

Chancellor of University of Tennessee Jimmy Cheek, Governor Bill Haslam, commissioner of economic and community development for Tennessee Randy Boyd, and dean of the Haslam College of Business Steve Mangum, pose for a photo at the dedication ceremony of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the Haslam College of Business on Friday, April 15, 2016. (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL)

“This dog park was our first public park,” said Randy Boyd, PetSafe owner and Republican gubernatorial candidate. “We have nine parks in and around Knoxville. They are not just for dogs, they are for people. At a dog park people come together – it builds community. Even though I did not get to meet Emma, I feel like I can understand her spirit and heart. There’s a place in heaven for people who love dogs.” Ali James/Shopper News

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Commissioner Michele Carringer reached out to Randy Boyd to change the name of the Tommy Schumpert Dog Park. “He immediately said yes to honor the beautiful life of Emma Jane Walker,” said Burchett. “He has a heart for service.” Ali James/Shopper News

Gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd speaks during the annual March for Life event in Knoxville, Tennessee on Sunday, January 21, 2018. The event was held at the Knoxville Convention Center this year due to heightened tensions with the Women's March downtown which attracted white supremacist protestors and Antifa. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd recites the Scout's Law as the keynote speaker at the Great Smoky Mountain Council's Sevier County Good Scout Award Dinner at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. The dinner honored the first responders for their work during the Gatlinburg Wildfires. SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL

Former Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd speaks about his run for governor at K Brew in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd met with business leaders in Marshall County, including receiving a tour of Comfort Research, a bean bag chair manufacturer's facility in Lewisberg. In the background is large storehouse of the beans that go into the bean bag chairs. Tyler Whetstone/USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Boyd starts off each morning on the campaign trail with a run. When he's finished later this year he will have ran across the state, some 537.3 miles. Tyler Whetstone/USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee

Randy Boyd, Republican candidate for governor, on a 6 mile leg of his run across the state that began in Bristol, Tenn. in early August and will finish in Memphis in November. Submitted/Randy Boyd for Governor

At right Randy Boyd listens to a speaker at the opening of Tiger Forest at Zoo Knoxville Friday, April 7, 2017. Boyd and his wife Jenny donated $5 million to the zoo's ongoing capital campaign. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

Randy Boyd was a keynote speaker at the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship meeting at Pellissippi State Community College on March 29, 2017. Tyler Whetstone/USA TODAY NETWORK- TENNESSEE

Randy Boyd was a keynote speaker at the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship meeting
National Association at Pellissippi State Community College Thursday. Tyler Whetstone/USA TODAY NETWORK - TENNESSEE

Former Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd gestures as he speaks about his run for governor at K Brew in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Former Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd speaks about his run for governor at K Brew in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Boyd has to have a convincing majority out of Knox County and East Tennessee to win statewide. Lee can run second everywhere and come out first statewide. If Lee should prevail, he would be the first Republican nominee to face the general election without holding some elected office since Winfield Dunn won in 1970 over then-House Speaker Bill Jenkins, Knoxville attorney Claude Robertson and Nashville businessman Maxey Jarman.

Dunn was that attractive dentist no one had heard of but who charmed all he met. He won 92 percent of the vote in Shelby County, enabling him to win narrowly in the field of four. He then went on to defeat Nashville attorney John Jay Hooker in November, as the Democratic party was badly divided.

Both Boyd and Lee have Friday travel plans if they win. The state GOP also plans a unity meeting on Saturday in Nashville for the statewide candidates with the hope those who don't win will attend and pledge their support to the winner. That happened eight years ago when Haslam won and both Zach Wamp and Ron Ramsey gathered to back his candidacy.

Scrapping for the Duncan seat

Meanwhile, the local congressional race stirs up comments with Jimmy Matlock’s negative attacks on Tim Burchett backfiring. They ended any momentum Matlock may have had. Ashley Nickloes will take votes off Matlock with her effective comments about Matlock missing the entire special session on federal highway funds so he could attend a personal business meeting. He also missed the vote to expel Rep. Jeremy Durham, who had pursued inappropriate relationships with legislative interns.

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Republican Ashley Nickloes in the Town of Farragut's 31st annual Independence Day Parade Wednesday, July 4, 2018. The parade featured one veteran from each branch of the military serving as grand marshal, and all vets and active military were invited to walk behind the boat. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

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It would not be a shock if Nickloes overtakes Matlock and she runs second or a close third.

Jason Emert blasted Matlock "for lying about me" as he does "not have any semblance of a record to run on."

Emert actually calls Matlock a "career politician," which is the attack Matlock has lodged against Burchett.

CLOSE

Matlock is a small business owner in Lenoir City. He has served in the state legislature since 2007. He will face Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and likely a slew of other Republicans for the congressional seat.
Tyler Whetstone/USA Today Network-Tennessee

Unfortunately, for Emert, he too has waged a negative campaign by paying for two websites that are highly critical of Burchett and Matlock. They are www.meetmatlock.com and www.realtimburchett.com

Emert feels he is main challenger to Burchett.

Burchett has numbers to win

Prediction here is that Burchett wins if he turns out the vote in Knox County that he has gotten in the past. He will be the first person in 54 years not named Duncan to be the GOP nominee for Congress.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett stands for National Anthem during the POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony presented by The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1078 of Knoxville at Lyons View State Veterans Cemetery on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Shawn Millsaps, Shawn MIllsaps/Special to the News Sentinel

Zenobia Dobson is greeted with a kiss by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett before the start of the "Stop the Violence" community forum at Fulton High School Wednesday, January 27, 2016. The forum comes one month after Dobson's son, Zaevion Dobson, was shot to death while shielding friends from gunfire. Saul Young, Saul Young/Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor TIm Burchett takes a selfie with Burt Reynolds during a red carpet movie premiere for "The Last Movie Star" at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, March 29, 2018. The movie, starring Reynolds, was filmed mostly in Knoxville during 2016 and is hitting theaters on Friday. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel, Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero stand in front of the 9/11 Monument during the 9/11 Memorial Service on Sunday, September 11, 2016, in Knoxville. Shawn Millsaps, Shawn MIllsaps/Special to the News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett attends training in compression only CPR and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by members of Rural Metro Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The event was held to promote free training on May 18 and 21 in observation of National Emergency Medical Services Week. Amy Smotherman Burgess, AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett talks with Mark Lett of the Knox County Veterans Office, and Eric Nash of the Marine Corp League during the dedication ceremony of the Connor Rd. bridge in memory of US Marine Corp Corporal Lawrence E. Lett on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Lett, who is Mark Lett's uncle, was killed in action in Korea on Oct. 27, 1952. He is a recipient of the Navy Cross and Silver Star. Saul Young, Saul Young/Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett announces his candidacy for Congress during his candidacy announcement ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel

From left, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett reads a proclamation to Teresa Armstrong and her father Boyd at their home on Friday, November 6, 2015 in Mascot, Tenn. Boyd Armstrong is flanked by Jennifer Stansberry of Congressman John J. Duncan's Office and Senator Massey. The Armstrong's will receive a wheelchair ramp and porch railings, new kitchen and bathroom flooring, ceiling and electrical repairs, done through the Fifth Third Bank and Rebuilding Together Knoxville. Shawn Millsaps, Shawn MIllsaps/Special to the News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett consults with Hugh Holt, Knox County's purchasing director, during the meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. The Knox County E-911 board of directors rejected a consultant's recommendation that a digital radio emergency communications system be awarded to Harris Corp. The board will not meet again until January. Michael Patrick, MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, left, takes a selfie with Dover Development Group managing director Rick Dover during Knox HeritageÛªs Preservation Awards ceremony Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at the Standard. Dover, honored for his conversion of the old Oakwood School into a senior living facility, was the recipient of the Knox County MayorÛªs Award and Preservationist of the Year Award. J. Miles Cary, J. MILES CARY/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Schools superintendent Bob Thomas, left, and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, check out memorabilia displayed inside the new Gibbs Middle School on the first day of school on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett congratulates the new citizens during a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at the City County Building in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Tim Burchett with his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Isabel in the Town of Farragut's 31st annual Independence Day Parade Wednesday, July 4, 2018. The parade featured one veteran from each branch of the military serving as grand marshal, and all vets and active military were invited to walk behind the boat. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

At center Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks to firefighters at the downtown Knoxville fire station during a barbecue lunch for local first responders Saturday, July 29, 2017. Knoxville man Larsen Jay threw the lunch to thank local emergency workers for responding to a life threatening accident he had 10 years ago. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett takes a selfie with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam during an announcement ceremony by AllegiantAirat McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Allegiant announced that it would be adding two aircraft and a maintenance facility at McGhee Tyson; a $50 million investment that will create 66 jobs. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks during an announcement ceremony by AllegiantAirat McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Allegiant announced that it would be adding two aircraft and a maintenance facility at McGhee Tyson; a $50 million investment that will create 66 jobs. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett speaks at an event announcing a multimillion-dollar sport and multipurpose facility to be built in Lonsdale as part of a project by the Emerald Youth Foundation, the city and county on Thursday, April 20, 2017. Caitie McMekin / News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett kisses a supporter on the cheek after announcing his candidacy for Congress during a ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville on Aug. 5, 2017. Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett attends junior Achievement's East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame awards dinner at the Marriott Thursday, April 6, 2017. Eddie Mannis, Will J. Pugh, and Eleanor Yoakum were all inducted at the event. CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL

Harrell Road Stormwater Park, Knox County's first stormwater demonstration park at 7221 Harrell Road, opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony May 26. The 19-acre park can be used to teach stormwater management practices and features two constructed stormwater wetland ponds that divert neighborhood runoff, a rain garden that treats stormwater runoff, established native vegetation, a three-quarter-mile walking trail, and a kayak/canoe launch connected to the Knox County Blueways. “Knox County is a great place to live and raise a family,” said county Mayor Tim Burchett. “It is spaces like this that will provide an opportunity to get outside and enjoy some time together. I’ve often said that I think it is important for our kids to be technologically advanced, but sometimes it’s important to turn off those computers and go outside.” Submitted photo

Knox County Commissioner Evelyn Gill and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett co-host a community meeting about Project GRAD and other Knox County schools programs on Monday, May 14, 2018 at Overcoming Believers Church. Saul Young/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said, “There’s been a lot of cooperation between the commission, the school board, and the financial people. To do all this without a tax increase and to pay down debt at the same time is unheard of really.” Nancy Anderson/Shopper News

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett shakes hands with supporters after announcing his candidacy for Congress during a ceremony at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville on Aug. 5, 2017. Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel

However, he will likely face Democrat Renee Hoyos in November, who is a credible candidate. She has to defeat Josh Williams. She, to her credit, will actually run on issues and not engage in negative attacks. Burchett and Nickloes have avoided negative attacks on the GOP side.

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Renee Hoyos, Democratic candidate for Tennessee Second Congressional District, gives her speech during Knoxville's Democratic watch party at the Foundry in Knoxville on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel

Tennessee Clean Water Network executive director Renee Hoyos addresses the crowd during an event to showcase the properties of the Williams Creek Urban Forest project along Daily Street and Brooks Avenue, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. The Tennessee Clean Water Network acquired 5 acres of land and plans to offer it to the city of Knoxville at no charge to add to the James White Greenway, leading to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Amy Smotherman Burgess, Amy Smotherman Burgess/Knoxville News Sentinel

Renee Hoyos, Democratic candidate for Tennessee Second Congressional District, mingles with supporters during Knoxville's Democratic watch party at the Foundry in Knoxville on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Shawn Millsaps/Special to News Sentinel

Renee Hoyos, at the podium, with Tennessee Clean Water Network holds a press conference at Volunteer Landing in front of a large inflatable fish to draw attention to mercury contamination of our waterways. Hoyos called on congressional representatives to encourage the EPA to require greater reductions of mercury pollution from power plants emissions. 6/16/2004 Michael Patrick, Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Sunday, October 5, 2008
Renee Hoyos photographs some of the construction work at Rushland Park subdivision Monday looking for examples of where the developers may or may not have controlled the water runoff from a construction site. Hoyos is the executive director of the Tennessee Clean Water Network, an organization dedicated to improving water quality in Tennessee.
SAUL YOUNG, Saul Young/Knoxville News Sentinel

Renee Hoyos, Diannah Miller, and Leon Christion withe the Tennessee Clean Water Network, and Barry Sulken with the Tennessee public employees for environmental responsibility spread a tarp over the top of a slag heap behind the old Smoky Mountain Smelters plant in Vestal.
10/14/04 Amy Smotherman, Amy Smotherman/News Sentinel

Dressed in matching scarves made by Kim Dukes and holiday hats, the Karns Democratic Party (6th District) prepares to walk in the Karns Holiday Parade. They passed out all 700 flags made in the USA to the large crowd who turned out to welcome Santa to Karns. In addition to the flags, the group carried cutouts of famous Democrats, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Al Gore and President John Kennedy.
Pictured at the parade are: (back) Linda Haney, Simon Jolly, Shannon Webb, Marty McClean, Renee Hoyos (candidate for District 2 U.S. Representative), Cody Biggs (candidate for Knox County District 3 County Commission), Daniel Gerke, Andrea Truan, Mary Hall, Jenny Egelston, Marianne May, Janice Spoone; (front) Savannah Truan, Drew Freshour, Bobbie Steele, Sherri Steele, Zoe Gerke, Joey Egelston and Willa Reister. Not shown: Doug Veum, Issac Sherman, Nan Scott. Submitted by Kellie May

Renee Hoyos, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from the Second District, spoke to an enthusiastic gathering at the Casual Pint in Hardin Valley hosted by the 6th District of the Knox County Democratic Party. Pictured are Mike Knapp, District 6 Democratic co-representative, Hoyos, and Kellie May, District 6 Democratic co-representative. Submitted by Frank Schingle

Kelly Segars, Renee Hoyos and Mary Pom Claiborne are given a golf cart ride back to their car by Brian Campbell at the conclusion of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Hats in Bloom submitted

Tennessee Clean Water Network executive director Renee Hoyos watches a goat at the Williams Creek Urban Forest in East Knoxville Wednesday, July 15, 2015. The goats are returning for a third year to clear brush and invasive plants from the site. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL

Tennessee Clean Water Network executive director Renee Hoyos, left, leads a tour along Dailey Street highlighting properties of the Williams Creek Urban Forest project on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. The Tennessee Clean Water Network acquired 5 acres of land and plans to offer it to the city of Knoxville at no charge to add to the James White Greenway, leading to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel

Knoxville city councilmen Daniel Brown, left, and Mark Campen, center, talk with Tennessee Clean Water Network Director Renee Hoyos during an event to showcase the properties of the Williams Creek Urban Forest project along Daily Street and Brooks Avenue, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. The Tennessee Clean Water Network acquired 5 acres of land and plans to offer it to the city of Knoxville at no charge to add to the James White Greenway, leading to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel

Easiest race to call

Glenn Jacobs is the next county mayor and brings new ideas to county government. Ed Shouse will lead the ticket in the county contests as he impresses people with the calm, deliberative and steady manner he runs the Trustee office. He attends more meetings than any other county officeholder on a consistent and faithful basis.

0323kane2.MP -- News-Sentinel photo by Michael Patrick. WWF wrestler Kane, aka Glenn Jacobs, hands out autographs at the South Community Center Friday morning. Second of two photos with Morrow story about the upcoming WWF event in 2003. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Glenn Jacobs speaks with supporters during a campaign stop at Casual Pint in Farragut on Friday, July 21. Jacobs, best known as WWE wrestler Kane, is running for Knox County mayor. Calvin Mattheis / Knoxville News Sentinel

Glenn Jacobs takes a call in the parking lot of the Clarion Inn & Suites, where he gathered with supporters watch the results for the Republican primary for Knox county mayor on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Saul Young/News Sentinel

WWF wrestler Kane, aka Glenn Jacobs, shakes hands with kids after giving a fistful of tickets to Vice Mayor Jack Sharp (left). Jacobs was at the South Community Center where the city proclaimed April 16 WWF Day in Knoxville. The tickets are for kids from the center to attend the WWF event in 2003. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Glenn Jacobs signs posters for Tammi and Steve Lowe during a campaign stop at Casual Pint in Farragut on July 21. The Lowes live in Clinton so can't vote for him for Knox County mayor, but said they "never miss a chance to see him." Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel

Glenn Jacobs speaks with supporters during a campaign stop at Casual Pint in Farragut, Tennessee on Friday, July 21, 2017. Glenn Jacobs, best known as WWE wrestler Kane, is running for Knox County Mayor. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County mayoral candidate Glenn Jacobs reacts after saying he agrees with Knox County Sheriff elect Tom Spangler's support of enforcing of ICE's 287(g) program within the sheriff's department during a Knox County mayoral forum at Pellissippi State Community College on Magnolia Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, July 20, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knox County Mayor candidate Glenn Jacobs attends the candidacy announcement ceremony of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett for Congress at Vol Market #3 on Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Burchett will run for the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee in 2018. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County mayoral candidate Glenn Jacobs speaks during a Knox County mayoral forum at Pellissippi State Community College on Magnolia Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, July 20, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Knoxville mayoral candidate Glenn Jacobs talks to Bobby Waggoner while waiting on Bill Lee to arrive for a town hall meeting at SoKno Market in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Five-year-old Cameron Jedlicka stopped by Balter Beerworks (with his grandfather, owner David Wedekind) last week to meet Knox County mayoral candidate Glenn Jacobs and bring him a campaign contribution from his piggy bank. Unable to accept a cash contribution, Jacobs signed the bill "Kane" and returned it to Cameron as a keepsake. Ruth White

Glenn Jacobs signs autographs for a supporter in the parking lot during a campaign stop at Casual Pint in Farragut, Tennessee on Friday, July 21, 2017. Glenn Jacobs, best known as WWE wrestler Kane, is running for Knox County Mayor. Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County mayoral candidate Glenn Jacobs speaks during a Knox County mayoral forum at Pellissippi State Community College on Magnolia Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, July 20, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel

Colleen Howell's (center) kindergarten class gets a surprise visit from Glenn Jacobs, right, also known as WWE wrestler "Kane" visits the classroom, Thursday, May 1, 2014. The Maynard School students have been using wrestlers like "Kane" to model expanded form math. News Sentinel

Colleen Howell, center, explains a math lesson to surprise visitor Glenn Jacobs, left, also known as WWE wrestler "Kane" Thursday, May 1, 2014. The Maynard School kindergarten students have been using wrestlers like "Kane" to model expanded form math. News Sentinel

Glenn Jacobs, left, also known as WWE wrestler "Kane" poses with student Dale Campbell during a surprise visit Thursday, May 1, 2014. The students have been using wrestlers like "Kane" to model expanded form math. News Sentinel

Bill Lee, gubernatorial candidate, and his wife, Maria, arrive at SoKno Market for a town hall meeting in South Knoxville Thursday, June 28, 2018. At left is moderator of the meeting, Glenn Jacobs. Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County mayoral candidates Glenn Jacobs and Linda Haney take their seats during a Knox County mayoral forum at Pellissippi State Community College on Magnolia Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, July 20, 2018. Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel